Protective apparatus and equipment with adjustable neck roll

ABSTRACT

A protective apparatus for use with athletic shoulder pads, which includes two arched shoulder portions contoured to form a neck opening; and a reversibly compressible neck roll ascending from both shoulder portions at the neck opening, the neck roll having a first positioning structure midway between opposing ends of the neck roll and a second positioning structure at each of the opposing ends of the neck roll, wherein the neck roll is movable by altering downward tension on each of the positioning structures.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/142,772, filed Apr. 3, 2015, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to protective gear for use in contact sports and more specifically to a protective apparatus worn in combination with athletic shoulder pads for improved protection against injury resulting from excessive neck movement during athletic activity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that leaves the cervical vertebrae and extends through the neck and upper shoulder to peripheral structures. The brachial plexus is a complex arrangement of nerves that are found underneath the clavicle or collarbone and transmit motor and sensory impulses to the brain. Acute trauma to this group of nerves can elicit a painful burning or stinging sensation throughout the entire upper extremity, hence giving it the name “burner” or “stinger.” If the neck is bent excessively to one side, the nerves in the brachial plexus can be stretched to cause what is known as a “pinched nerve” or brachial plexus injury (BPI). In severe cases, excessive lateral cervical flexion can cause permanent and irreparable damage to the nerves of the brachial plexus.

A BPI is a common injury in contact sports. Some signs or symptoms associated with BPI include pain in the neck and shoulder region, an intense “burning” sensation, paresthesia, or numbness radiating from the shoulder and neck to the fingers, weakness or heaviness in the extremities, diminished pulse or blood flow throughout the upper extremity, and diminished reflexes in the upper extremity.

BPIs sustained in contact sports are usually the result of biomechanical factors that lead to nerve traction or compression. The onset of the injury is typically caused either by a stretching of the brachial plexus itself (brachial plexus traction), contusion of the brachial plexus itself (brachial plexus compression), cervical nerve root traction, or cervical nerve root compression (impingement). Stretching of the brachial plexus or cervical nerve root occurs when the head is forced laterally while the opposite shoulder is depressed, such as during tackling in football and other contact sports. Furthermore, undue flexing of the neck at an angle to the rear and to one side can result in equally serious damage to the cervical spine and/or adjacent areas of the neck and upper back.

A number of devices have been designed in an attempt reduce injuries such as BPI in contact sports using a variety of rigid protectors; however, such systems are typically fixedly mounted to shoulder pads, which interfere with the ability of the player to turn his or her head and thus significantly impair peripheral vision during play. Further, mounting such devices to shoulder pads limits their positioning and customization to the different needs of different users. Accordingly, there remains a need to develop improved protective gear that reduces the risk of injury such as BPI while maintaining an adequate turning movement of the head to minimize loss of peripheral vision and which permits further custom fitting for a variety of athletes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention address the above deficiencies and provides related benefits. This is accomplished by a protective apparatus and related protective equipment which limits lateral movement of the neck to protect from injury without significantly reducing rotatable motion of the neck and head to minimize loss of peripheral vision during play.

In a first aspect of the invention a protective apparatus for use with athletic shoulder pads is provided, which includes two arched shoulder portions joined together and contoured to form a neck opening; and a reversibly compressible neck roll ascending from both shoulder portions at the neck opening. The neck roll has a first positioning structure midway between opposing ends of the neck roll and a second positioning structure at each of the opposing ends of the neck roll. The neck roll is movable by altering downward tension on each of the positioning structures.

The backs of the shoulder portions are preferably joined together by way of an elastic strap sewn to each shoulder portion or reversibly joined by structures such as lacing, clips, snaps, hook and loop (VELCRO) or other reversible joining structures used in the art to which the invention belongs. Similarly, the fronts of the shoulder portions are preferably joined to one another by way of an elastic or inelastic strap sewn to each shoulder portion or reversibly joined by structures such as lacing, clips, snaps, hook and loop (VELCRO) or other reversible joining structures known in the art to which the invention belongs. The shoulder portions are preferably padded.

The neck roll is reversibly compressible such that when sufficient pressure is applied the neck roll will compress or partially flatten, and when the pressure is released the neck roll will decompress to return to its initial shape prior to compression. Providing a compressible neck roll not only provides cushioning but also permits the athlete to adjust the neck roll height by increasing or decreasing tension while fastening the positioning structures to the overlaying shoulder pads. In addition, the compressible neck roll also permits the athlete to adjusting tension of opposing ends laterally to make the neck roll more open or more closed in the front region. In some embodiments the neck roll is formed from compressible foam. In some embodiments, the foam is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.

Preferably the neck roll is permanently affixed to both shoulder portions, but in other embodiments, the neck roll is reversibly attached to the shoulder portions, such as by complementary snaps or using hook and loop (VELCRO) binders. In embodiments where the neck roll is irreversibly affixed, it can be sewn or formed integral to the shoulder portions.

Positioning the front and back regions of the neck roll is performed using positioning structures, which also secure the neck roll to the overlaying shoulder pads. In some embodiments the positioning structures include nylon webbing with a set of hook and loop (VELCRO) binders for looping through the shoulder pads then returning to bind on themselves. In other embodiments the nylon webbing has a complementary interlocking structure that complements an interlocking structure mounted to the overlaying shoulder pads, which also permits tightening or loosening, such as hook and loop (VELCRO). In other embodiments the positioning structures include tabs with eyelets for lacing or tying down to the shoulder pads. Thus, positioning structures at opposing ends of the neck roll are configured for securely positioning a front region of the neck roll to the front of the shoulder pads, and one or more positioning structures positioned midway between opposing ends of the neck roll securely position a rear region of the neck roll to the rear region of the overlaying shoulder pads. When used together the front and rear positioning structures movably position the front region of the neck roll independently from the rear region of the neck roll thereby permitting the protective apparatus to be adjusted for different sized athletes or the needs of athletes playing different positions.

In some embodiments, the protective equipment also includes a shoulder strap looped over each shoulder portion. Each should strap is preferably affixed, such as sewn, to an underside of the corresponding shoulder portion. The strap is preferably configured for looping over both the shoulder portion of the protective apparatus and the corresponding shoulder of the pair of athletic shoulder pads. When using the protective apparatus in combination with athletic shoulder pads having a cup at least partially overlaid with an epaulet (or flap), most preferably the shoulder strap is fitted over the cup and under the epaulet. In some embodiments the length of the shoulder strap is adjustable, such as by providing an elastic or stretchable strap or by providing an adjustment mechanism such as hook and loop (VELCRO), snaps or other adjustment mechanisms known in the art to which the invention belongs. In other embodiments, the shoulder portions are mounted underneath the overlaying shoulder pads by complementary interlocking structures, such as hook and loop (VELCRO).

In a related embodiment, the invention provides a protective equipment for use by an athlete, which includes a pair of athletic shoulder pads characterized by a main body, shoulders and a neck opening; and a protective apparatus characterized as two arched shoulder portions joined together and contoured to form a neck opening; and a reversibly compressible neck roll ascending from both shoulder portions at the neck opening, the neck roll having a first positioning structure midway between opposing ends of the neck roll and a second positioning structure at each of the opposing ends of the neck roll, where the neck roll is movable by altering downward tension on each of the positioning structures. The shoulder pads and protective apparatus are arranged such that the neck roll extends through the neck opening of the athletic shoulder pads, and the positioning structures are fastened to the shoulder pads.

In embodiments where the shoulders of the athletic shoulder pads are further characterized as having an epaulet overlaying a cup, the apparatus preferably has a shoulder strap looped between the epaulet and the cup on the corresponding shoulder. In other embodiments the apparatus is mated to the shoulder pads by hook and loop (VELCRO).

The neck roll is adjusted for improved fitting between players or between players of different positions by adjusting the tension between the main body of the shoulder pads and the positioning structures, which are themselves connected to the neck roll. For example, the height of the front region of the neck roll can be decreased by increasing downward tension between the main body and the positioning structures at opposing ends of the neck roll, and the height of the front region of the neck roll can be increased by releasing downward tension between the main body and the opposing ends of the neck roll. Similarly, the height of the rear region can be decreased by increasing downward tension between the main body and at least one positioning structure about midway between ends of the neck roll, and the height of the rear region of the neck roll can be increased by releasing downward tension between the main body of the shoulder pads and the at least one positioning structure midway between opposing ends of the neck roll.

In a related aspect of the invention, a method of preventing or decreasing risk of injury to an athlete participating in a sporting event is provided, which includes wearing the protective equipment, and actively participating in a sporting event under conditions that risk injury to a neck of the athlete.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings, which are part of the specification and represent preferred embodiments. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. And, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 depicts an athlete wearing a protective apparatus 10 of the invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an athlete wearing protective equipment 100 of the invention, which adds a pair of shoulder pads 200.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the protective apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the protective apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the protective equipment 100 with shoulder pads 200.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the protective equipment 100 shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 depicts an athlete wearing another embodiment of the protective apparatus 10 of the invention.

FIG. 8 depicts an athlete wearing another embodiment of the protective equipment 100 of the invention, which adds a pair of shoulder pads 200

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For clarity of disclosure, and not by way of limitation, the invention is discussed according to different detailed embodiments; however, the skilled artisan would recognize that features of one embodiment can be combined with other embodiments and is therefore within the intended scope of the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. If a definition set forth in this document is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a well-accepted definition set forth in the art, the definition set forth in this document prevails over a contradictory definition.

The term “underside” as used herein refers the surface that is nearest the athlete when worn by the athlete.

The term “reversibly compressible” as used herein refers to a configuration that compresses under applied force and decompresses when the force is released.

The term “non-rigid” as used herein refers to a material that is pliant or flexible.

The term “reversibly attachable” as used herein refers to the ability to repeatedly attach and detach components together using complementary structures.

The term “complementary structures” as used herein refers to two structures that have surfaces configured to lock and unlock with one another.

The terms “front”, “front region”, “back”, “back region”, “rear” or “rear region” as used herein are in relation to the athlete wearing the protective apparatus. The athlete's chest generally designates a front and the athlete's back generally designates a back or rear.

The term “midway” as used herein refers to a middle third along a length.

The term “actively participating in a sporting event” as used herein refers to an athlete that is an active participant in a sport, such as offense, defense or special teams.

As shown throughout FIGS. 1-8, the invention provides a protective apparatus 10 and a protective apparatus 10 in combination with a pair of athletic shoulder pads 200, the combination referred to as protective equipment 100. The protective apparatus includes two arched shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b joined together and contoured to form a neck opening 14; and a reversibly compressible neck roll 16 ascending from both shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b at the neck opening 14. The neck roll 16 includes a first positioning structure 18 c midway between opposing ends 20 a, 20 b of the neck roll 16 and a second positioning structure 18 a, 18 b at each of the opposing ends 20 a, 20 b of the neck roll 16. The neck roll 16 is adjustable for improved fitting by individually altering downward tension on each of the positioning structures 18 a, 18 b, 18 c.

The protective apparatus 10 has particular utility in action sports where there is risk of injury due to head or neck movement, such as football, motocross, lacrosse, auto racing, hockey, rodeo and other action sports. The protective apparatus 10 is configured to prevent excessive head and neck motion in multiple directions yet permits rotatable movement of the head and neck. By providing protection in various directions without complete restriction of the head and neck the protective apparatus 10 reduces risk of injury but retains peripheral vision.

The shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b provide the base to which the neck roll 16 is attached and preferably provide additional protective padding. As general guidance, the shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b should be sized and shaped to cover the tops of the athlete's shoulders but also shaped to provide a neck opening 14 for insertion of an athlete's head. To this end, the sizing can vary depending on the size of the particular athlete. Typically, the shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b are characterized as padding such as foam covered in a cover material. Nonlimiting examples of suitable padding materials include ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, closed-cell foam, open-cell foam, viscoelastic polyurethane foam and other padding used in the athletic industry. The padding can be covered with a wind-proof, wind-resistant, water-resistant, or water-proof material, including but not limited to polyester, nylon (such as nylon 6-6), latex, vinyl, fluoropolymers, pliant plastics (such as antimicrobial plastics) and a variety of other suitable fabrics (such as antimicrobial fabrics). In preferred embodiments, the covering, and optionally the padding, is antimicrobial. Materials that are not themselves antimicrobial can be made antimicrobial by applying an antimicrobial solution.

The shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b are preferably joined in both the back and the front. In the back, the shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b are preferably joined by at least one strap 22, such as a cotton or polyester material, which can adjust to accommodate different sizing. In various embodiments the rear strap 22 can be inelastic or elastic. In some embodiments the rear strap 22 is nylon webbing. The artisan will appreciate the rear strap 22 can be affixed to the shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b using any suitable technique such as sewing or through use of complementary mating structures, such as snaps, clips, hook and loop (VELCRO), lacing, or any other suitable methods or structures known in the art to which the invention belongs. Likewise, in the front the shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b can be joined using any suitable technique. In some embodiments the front of the shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b is configured to open and close to assist with removal of the protective apparatus 10 from the athlete. In other embodiments, the shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b do not open and close, which requires the protective apparatus 10 be slipped over the athlete's head. Nonlimiting techniques and structures for joining the front of the shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b include complementary mating structures, such as zippers, snaps, clips, hook and loop (VELCRO) and lacing 24.

In some embodiments each shoulder portion 12 a, 12 b is individually secured to the pair of shoulder pads 200 using an attachment structure. Preferably, the attachment structure is an adjustable strap (also referred to as a “shoulder strap 26”) sewn or permanently attached to the underside 28 of the shoulder portion 12 a, 12 b then looped over the arched shoulder portion 12 a, 12 b and configured for looping over the pair of shoulder pads 200. This looped shoulder strap 26 approach was found to be surprisingly effective at least in part because it can be fitted between the cup 202 and epaulet 204 found in many shoulder pads. In particular it was surprisingly found that while both the cup 202 and epaulet 204 are themselves are generally downward sloping along the shoulder region 212 and each offer little frictional resistance, the shoulder strap 26 was able to maintain its fitted position without sliding off the cup 202. It has also been found that this approach is easy to use in that it can be securely attached using the athlete's opposite arm, and proper fitting can be easily confirmed by visually following the path of the shoulder strap 26 between the cup 202 and epaulet 204.

In some embodiments, the shoulder strap 26 is a single elastic strap, which is sewn to the underside 28 of the shoulder portion 12 a, 12 b or to edges of the underside of the shoulder portion 12 a, 12 b and looped over the top of the shoulder portion 12 a, 12 b. The elasticity of the strap 26 permits stretching to accommodate the shoulder pads 200, such as by stretching over the cup 202 of the shoulder pads 200 for fitting under the epaulet 204.

In other embodiments, the shoulder strap 26 is a two piece elastic or inelastic polyester or nylon blend configuration, where each piece is sewn to the front or rear underside 28 of the shoulder portion 12 a, 12 b, extends over the pair of shoulder pads 200 then reversibly binds to one another, such as between the cup 202 and epaulet 204. Nonlimiting examples of such reversible binding may include complementary snaps, clasps, hook and loop (VELCRO) and others known in the art to which the invention belongs.

Following the perimeter of the neck opening 14 and across the shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b is an ascending neck roll 16, which acts as a roll protector to prevent or reduce excessive rolling of the neck and provides a protective cushion between the athlete's head and shoulders. Thus, the neck roll 16 reduces the likelihood or amount of trauma associated with quick and extended movement of the neck and provides additional protection against trauma between the head and shoulders. The neck roll 16 is preferably formed generally tubular or suitably shaped with a padding core covered in a fabric, which is then affixed to the shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b of the protective apparatus 10. The covering can be the same covering used in the construction of the shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b.

The neck roll 16 is preferably reversibly compressible, such that it compresses when pressure is applied and decompresses when the pressure is released. The amount of pressure required to compress the neck roll 16 can vary depending on the force likely to be applied to the neck roll. Preferably, the neck role 16 has sufficient compressive strength to prevent complete collapse under the force likely to be applied. Adjusting the compressive strength and thus resistance of the neck roll 16 can be performed by adding fillers during construction of the core material, such as fillers used in the foam and polymer arts or altering an amount of crosslinking of a polymer used in the construction of the core material of the neck roll 16. As still another approach, the amount of air pockets is adjusted for desired compressive strength.

Methods used in the art to adjust the compressive strength of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam may be used to adjust the compressive strength of a core material formed at least in part of EVA foam. In other embodiments, the neck roll 16 is formed by rolling sheets of foam material, where tighter wrapped rolls increase the compressive force and looser wrapped rolls decrease the compressive force, then covering the rolled material in a covering.

In some embodiments, the neck roll 16 is a single unit bent to substantially surround the neck opening 14. In other embodiments, the core material is a single unit with cutouts or notches cut along its inner length to direct bending to predetermined regions of the neck roll 16 to follow the contour of the neck opening 14. In still other embodiments, the core is formed from two or more distinct units that are covered by a single cover and angled to follow the neck opening 14.

The neck roll 16 is preferably permanently affixed to the shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b such that it substantially surrounds the neck opening 14. Typically, the cover that covers the core of the neck roll 16 is sewn to the cover of the shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b using strong or double stitching. Then extends upward through the shoulder pads 200. While not preferred, in other embodiments the neck roll 16 could be reversibly affixed to the shoulder pads 200 using hook and loop (VELCRO) or snaps.

Preferably, the neck roll 16 follows an arc along a perimeter of the neck opening 14 of more than 180 degrees. More preferably, the neck roll 16 follows an arc along a perimeter of the neck opening 14 of more than 225 degrees. In some embodiments, the neck roll 16 follows an arc along a perimeter of the neck opening 14 of more than 270 degrees. In some embodiments, the neck roll 16 follows an arc along a perimeter of the neck opening 14 of more than 315 degrees. In each of the above embodiments, the neck roll 16 can follow an arc along a perimeter of the neck opening 14 of less than 360 degrees. In some embodiments, opposing ends 20 a, 20 b of the neck roll 16 cross one another when positioned for sporting play but uncross when not positioned for sporting play.

While the neck roll 16 is configured to extend upward through the neck opening 214 of the shoulder pads it is preferably not attached to the collar 206 defining the neck opening 214 of the shoulder pads 200. By being free from attachment along the collar of the shoulder pads 200, the neck roll 16 can be adjusted laterally for improved positioning against the neck of the athlete. This improved positioning not only assists with protection by properly positioning the neck roll 16 to regions at risk of injury but also permits the neck roll 16 to move more closely with the athlete as opposed to being limited to a fixed position on the shoulder pad collar 206.

The neck roll 16 is positioned using positioning structures 18 a, 18 b, 18 c positioned both at the front and rear regions of the neck roll 16. By providing positioning structures 18 a, 18 b, 18 c at both the front and rear regions of the neck roll 16, both the front and rear regions can be adjusted independently. The positioning structures 18 a, 18 b, 18 c are used together with the shoulder pads 200 to securely position the neck roll 16 in the desired position.

In some embodiments the positioning structures 18 a, 18 b, 18 c are configured individually as tabs 30 with eyelets 32, preferably reinforced eyelets 32. In this configuration, lacing can be threaded through the eyelet 32 to cinch down the positioning structure 18 a, 18 b, 18 c thereby adjusting the neck roll 16 region downward. In other embodiments, one or more positioning structure 18 a, 18 b, 18 c is a strap 33 for strapping to the shoulder pads 200. In further embodiments the strap 33 includes complementary hook and loop (VELCRO) binders 34 a, 34 b so that the strap 33 can be threaded through a portion of the shoulder pads 200, cinched down to lower the neck roll 16 region and then bound on a same strap 33. In still other embodiments, one or more positioning structure 18 a, 18 b, 18 c includes a strap 33 with one half of a complementary hook and loop (VELCRO) 34 a and the shoulder pads include the other half of the complementary hook and loop 34 b, which allows the strap 33 to be cinched down and bound to the other complementary half of the hook and loop structure 34 b.

Midway 20 c between opposing ends 20 a, 20 c of the neck roll 16 is a first positioning structure (also referred to as a rear positioning structure 18 c), which pulls the rear region of the neck roll 16 back from the neck of the athlete. While cinching down the rear positioning structure 18 c can flatten the rear region of the neck roll 16, the primary use of the rear positioning structure 18 c is to position the neck roll 16 away or toward the back of the neck and to form an anchor point for tensioning the front region.

At each opposing end 20 a, 20 b of the collar 16 is preferably a second positioning structure 18 a, 18 b. These two front positioning structures 18 a, 18 b permit the front region of the neck roll 16 to be positioned both laterally and to a desired height to improve protection against injury while maintaining neck mobility. Positioning the front region of the neck roll 16 laterally can be accomplished by opening or closing the front region of the neck roll 16. For example, closing the front region can occur by tensioning lacing that pulls opposing ends 20 a, 20 b of the neck roll 16 in a direction across the midline of the shoulder pads. Opening the front region can occur by tensioning lacing that pulls opposing ends 20 a, 20 b of the neck roll 16 in a direction away from the midline of the shoulder pads 200.

Adjusting the height of the neck roll 16 can be accomplished by increasing or decreasing downward tension on the opposing ends 20 a, 20 b of the neck roll 16. Specifically, increasing tension on the opposing ends 20 a, 20 b of the neck roll 16 such as by cinching down front positioning structures 18 a, 18 b tends to compress the core material of the neck roll 16, which tends to flatten the front half of neck roll 16, whereas releasing downward tension tends to permit the core to decompress and thus return to its natural conformation thereby raising the height of the neck roll 16. Since each opposing end 20 a, 20 b can be adjusted individually, the user can individually adjust the lateral position and height of each side. Differences in lateral position or height may be desired depending on the sport and position played, where in a sport such as football the athlete may prefer to have an inside (relative to the middle of a play field) at a different lateral position or height compared to the outside position. In addition, athletes with longer necks may prefer a neck roll 16 that is taller while athletes with shorter necks may prefer a more compressed neck roll 16. The protective apparatus 10 accommodates each of these needs.

The skilled artisan will appreciate that the invention described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The specific embodiments previously described are therefor to be considered as illustrative of, and not limiting, the scope of the invention.

As an example of additional embodiments, the invention also includes protective equipment 100 for use by an athlete, the equipment including a pair of athletic shoulder pads 200 characterized by a main body 208, shoulders 212 and a neck opening 214; and a protective apparatus 10. The protective apparatus 10 can include two arched shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b joined together and contoured to form a neck opening 14; and a reversibly compressible neck roll 16 ascending from both shoulder portions 12 a, 12 b at the neck opening 14, the neck roll 16 having a first positioning structure 18 c midway 20 c between opposing ends 20 a, 20 b of the neck roll 16 and a second positioning structure 18 a, 18 b at each of the opposing ends 20 a, 20 b of the neck roll 16, wherein the neck roll 16 is adjustable by altering downward tension on each of the positioning structures 18 a, 18 b.

In some embodiments, the shoulders 212 of the shoulder pads 200 are further characterized as having an epaulet 204 overlaying a cup 202, and the protective apparatus 10 is further characterized as having a shoulder strap 26 for each shoulder portion 12 a, 12 b of the protective equipment 100, which is looped between the epaulet 204 and cup 202.

In some embodiments the opposing ends 20 a, 20 b of the neck roll 16 are securely fastened to a front of the main body 208 of the athletic shoulder pads 200 and a rear region of the neck roll 16 is securely fastened to a rear of the main body 208 of the athletic shoulder pads 200. In preferred embodiments, the height of the front region of the neck roll 16 is adjustable by adjusting tension between a forward positioning structure 18 a, 18 b at each opposing end 20 a, 20 b of the neck roll 16 and the main body 208 of the shoulder pads 200. In some embodiments a height of the rear region is adjustable by adjusting tension between a rear positioning structure 18 c and the main body 208.

As another example, the invention also provides a method of preventing or decreasing injury to an athlete during a sporting event which includes wearing the protective apparatus 10 and actively participating in a sporting event under conditions that risk injury to a neck of the athlete. In preferred embodiments, the protective apparatus 10 is worn underneath shoulder padding 200. In some embodiments, the protective apparatus 10 through its neck roll 16 prevents or reduces the severity of injury associated with lateral roll of the athlete's neck. In some embodiments the protective apparatus 10 through its neck roll 16 prevents or reduces the severity of a brachial plexus injury (BPI).

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   10 protective apparatus -   12 a, b shoulder portions -   14 neck opening -   16 neck roll -   18 a, 18 b front positioning structures (second positioning     structures) -   18 c rear positioning structure (first positioning structure) -   20 a, 20 b opposing ends -   20 c midway -   22 back strap -   24 front lacing -   26 shoulder strap -   28 underside of shoulder portion -   30 tab -   32 eyelet -   33 positioning structure strap -   34 a, 34 b hook and loop -   100 protective equipment -   200 shoulder pads -   202 cup -   204 epaulet -   206 shoulder pad collar -   208 main body -   212 shoulders -   214 neck opening 

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective apparatus for use with athletic shoulder pads, the apparatus comprising: two arched shoulder portions joined together and contoured to form a neck opening; and a reversibly compressible neck roll ascending from both shoulder portions at the neck opening, the neck roll comprising a first positioning structure midway between opposing ends of the neck roll and a second positioning structure at each of the opposing ends of the neck roll, wherein the neck roll is adjustable by altering downward tension on each of the positioning structures.
 2. The protective apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the neck roll comprises compressible foam.
 3. The protective apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a height of a front region of the neck roll is adjustable by altering downward tension on the positioning structures at the opposing ends of the neck roll.
 4. The protective apparatus according to claim 1, wherein tensioning at least some of the positioning structures compresses the neck roll.
 5. The protective apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the positioning structures comprise tabs with eyelets or straps comprising both hook and loop sections.
 6. The protective apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a shoulder strap looped over each shoulder portion.
 7. The protective apparatus according to claim 6, wherein opposing ends of the shoulder strap are affixed to an underside of the shoulder portion.
 8. The protective apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the shoulder strap is elastic.
 9. The protective apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the shoulder strap is inelastic.
 10. Protective equipment for use by an athlete, the equipment comprising: a pair of athletic shoulder pads characterized by a main body, shoulders and a neck opening; and the protective apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the neck roll extends through the neck opening of the athletic shoulder pads, further wherein the positioning structures are fastened to the shoulder pads.
 11. The protective equipment according to claim 10, wherein the shoulders are further characterized as having an epaulet overlaying a cup and the protective apparatus further comprises a shoulder strap, wherein the shoulder strap is looped between the epaulet and cup.
 12. The protective equipment according to claim 10, wherein a height of the front region of the neck roll is adjusted by increasing or decreasing downward tension on the positioning structures at the opposing ends of the neck rolls.
 13. The protective equipment according to claim 10, wherein a rear region of the neck roll is moved by increasing or decreasing downward tension on the positioning structure midway between the opposing ends of the neck roll.
 14. A method of preventing or decreasing injury to an athlete during a sporting event comprising wearing the protective equipment according to claim 10, and actively participating in a sporting event under conditions that risk injury to a neck of the athlete. 